Column by Alphons de Wit: Youth and the Future
Wednesday 18 March 2026
It is inspiring to see young people pursuing ambitions beyond owning a fatbike and a mobile phone. It shows that the younger generation is capable of remarkable achievements.
Last Friday, I had the pleasure of attending the opening of Stef and Bob van Veen’s impressive new office at Honderdland. As young lads, the identical twins, and you are unlikely to find a more identical pair anywhere, started making videos of Westlandia’s matches. Because no school could offer them the education they needed, they bought a camera and simply taught themselves everything. And what a success that became.
When they were asked to produce videos for the Groen Wit Business Club, things really began to take off. They met businesspeople who quickly realised that they were not only incredibly likeable, but also exceptionally talented. After Southfields’ Arthur Zuiderwijk discovered their abilities, their company, West Country Media, reached new heights.
Now aged 25, they work alongside Maud, Esmee, Lucas, Amy, Mabel, Bart and Steffie, creating outstanding video productions and photo series all over the world. The way West Country Media’s directors introduced their employees to those attending the opening gave a wonderful impression of their approach to life and business, an approach that many others could learn from.
There was another remarkable young person at Honderdland who has the potential to become a true ambassador for the Westland region. Karting talent Rosanne den Drijver is a highly promising 17 year old with an extraordinary goal on the horizon. Rosanne wants to become the fastest woman in the world, and she is already well on her way.
The only thing she still needs is a group of people willing to support her financially. Should she manage to gain the backing of a few wealthy Westlanders, and let us be honest, there are plenty of them around, she has what it takes to become the next Jutta Leerdam, but in a different sport.
Take a look at RoosRacing.com and see for yourself that young people truly are the future. Some of them simply need a helping hand. Shall we?